High load capacity collapsible carts

ABSTRACT

A collapsible cart includes a front and rear wall, a right and left sidewall and a pivotable base panel forming a compartment. For storage, the base panel can be folded upwards while the right and left sidewalls are folded inwardly. A rigid cover panel is conforming in shape to a top opening of the compartment and configured to securely fit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or seat. The rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top of the front wall and is configured to be moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment. A retractable handle mechanism is disposed at, within or adjacent the back wall. The retractable handle mechanism includes a hand grip attached to a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end to the bottom of the rear wall.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Continuation patent application Ser. No. 17/712,032, filed on Apr. 1,2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/143,116, filed on Jan. 6,2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/974,956, filed on Jan. 6,2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. This application also claims the benefit of the filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/995,375, filed on Jan.27, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent document relates to collapsible carts, and moreparticularly, to wheeled collapsible carts for high load capacity thatis capable of folding up for convenient storage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Collapsible carts have been widely used in household and commercialsettings. They provide a convenient way to transport objects when neededbut can be folded or collapsed for storage.

The following patents and published applications are representativeprior art: 1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,564,939 issued to Louis S. Weast on Aug.21, 1951 for “Foldable Shopping Cart”; 2. U.S. Pat. No. 2,786,692 issuedto Anne Jackson Timpson on Mar. 26, 1957 for “Collapsible Cart”; 3. U.S.Pat. No. 3,092,395 issued to Sol Mitty et al. on Jun. 4, 1963 for“Corrugated Shopping Cart and Parts”; 4. U.S. Pat. No. 3,135,527 issuedto Philip B. Knapp on Jun. 2, 1964 for “Wheeled Market Carts”; 5. U.S.Pat. No. Des. 292,135 issued to John W. Grube et al. on Sep. 29, 1987for “Collapsible Cart”; 6. U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,644 issued to Laurence G.Bell on Aug. 23, 1988 for “Foldable Cart”; 7. U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,646issued to Karen Cheng on Aug. 23, 1988 for “Collapsible Shopping Cart”;8. U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,754 issued to Lyla B. Ward on Mar. 30, 1993 for“Collapsible Beach Cart”; 9. U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,219 issued to Sidney R.Hadlum on Sep. 14, 1993 for “Hand Held Carrier”; 10. U.S. Pat. No.5,988,671 issued to Kevin G. Abelbeck et al. on Nov. 23, 1999 for“Collapsible Cart”; 11. United States Published Patent Application No.2002/0050429 to Cory O. Nykoluk et al. on May 2, 2002 for “PivotalHandle For Towable Baggage”; 12. United States Published PatentApplication No. 2002/0139628 to Wen-Cheng Chang on Oct. 3, 2002 for“Retractable Handle Assembly”; 13. United States Published PatentApplication No. 2002/0144874 to Cory O. Nykoluk et al. on Oct. 10, 2002for “Pivotal Handle For Towable Baggage”; 14. U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,898issued to Yong S. Chu on Jul. 29, 2003 for “Folding Cart”; 15. U.S. Pat.No. D477,916 issued to Cory O. Nykoluk on Aug. 5, 2003 for “TowingMember For A Piece of Baggage”; 16. U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,791 issued toCory O. Nykoluk et al. on Nov. 25, 2003 for “Pivotal Handle For TowableBaggage”; 17. United States Published Patent Application No.2004/0211635 to Chen-Tien Lu on Oct. 28, 2004 for “Apparatus forMounting Telescopic Handle on Trunk”; 18. U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,474 issuedto Cory O. Nykoluk on Jul. 19, 2005 for “Towable Wheeled-Backpack”; 19.United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0212536 to Maria I.Tadeo on Aug. 27, 2009 for “Collapsible Rolling Tote Bag”; 20. U.S. Pat.No. 7,731,221 issued to Suzan L. Bess on Jun. 8, 2010 for “Collapsibleand Portable Wheeled Dolly Particularly Suitable for Use by Students orOthers in the Transport of Items”; 21. U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,476 issued tothe named inventor Richard Elden on Jun. 27, 2006 for “Side AttachableCover/Seat for a Cart Carrying Box”; and 22. U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,374issued to the named inventor Richard Elden on May 14, 2013 for“Lightweight High Load Capacity Folding Utility Cart with Unique SupportStructure and Ergonomic Handle.”

Because of the collapsible nature of the prior art cart design, thesidewalls may not be sufficiently sturdy to allow for transporting heavyobjects. None of the prior art has effectively addressed this problem.Thus, the need for improvements to collapsible carts still remains.

SUMMARY

Collapsible carts are disclosed herein. The collapsible carts mayinclude a rigid frame forming a compartment, and having a front wall, arear wall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a bottom wall. Theright sidewall may include a first right panel and a second right panel,whereby the first right panel is coupled to the second right panel alonga first vertical axis. The left sidewall may include a first left paneland a second left panel, whereby the first left panel is coupled to thesecond left panel along a second vertical axis.

In one embodiment, the collapsible carts may include a rotatable basepanel rotatably coupled to the bottom wall within the compartment andhaving a lower surface and an upper surface. The rotatable base panelmay be configured to be capable of rotating so that its lower surfacerests against an interior surface of the bottom wall.

In another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include one or moretracks extending across the first vertical axis from a first position onthe first right panel to a second position on the second right panel.The collapsible carts may also include one or more slideable members tocooperatively engage the one or more tracks, and movable between an openposition to allow the right sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closedposition to selectively lock the first right panel to the second rightpanel. The one or more slideable members are in the open position whenadjacent the first position of the one or more tracks and in the closedposition when adjacent the second position of the one or more tracks.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include one or moretracks extending across the second vertical axis from a first positionon the first left panel to a second position on the second left panel.The collapsible carts may also include one or more slideable members tocooperatively engage the one or more tracks, and movable between an openposition to allow the left sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closedposition to selectively lock the first left panel to the second leftpanel. The one or more slideable members are in the open position whenadjacent the first position of the one or more tracks and in the closedposition when adjacent the second position of the one or more tracks.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts may include a pluralityof wheel assemblies, such as a plurality of rotatable swivel wheelsmounted at one or more locations underneath the bottom wall, or aplurality of wheels rotatably coupled to a plurality of spokes, whereeach spoke is coupled to a spindle located underneath the bottom wall orat the intersection between the bottom wall and the rear wall.

In one embodiment, the a plurality of rotatable swivel wheels coupled tothe bottom wall of the cart include at least one wheel locking assemblyhaving a first condition for locking at least one of the rotatableswivel wheels to prevent rolling movement, and a second condition forunlocking the at least one of the rotatable swivel wheels. The at leastone wheel locking assembly comprising a brake actuator pedal.

In yet another embodiment, the collapsible carts include a rigid coverpanel and a retractable handle. The rigid cover panel may be configuredto confirm in shape to a top opening of the compartment, and securelyfitting in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover orseat on top of the cart. The rigid cover panel may include protrusionsor a latch on a bottom surface to removably secure to the front wall ofthe cart. The retractable handle adjacent the back wall.

Each of the foregoing various aspects, together with those set forth inthe claims and described in connection with the embodiments summarizedabove and disclosed herein may be combined to form claims for a device,apparatus, system, methods of manufacture and/or use in any waydisclosed herein without limitation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but notto limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible cart illustrated in anopen condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 , accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 , accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1 , according toan embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1illustrated with the sidewalls folded inwardly, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 1illustrated in a closed condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collapsible cart illustrated in anopen condition, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a left-side view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a rear-plan view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 ,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 , according toan embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10 , accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10illustrated with the sidewalls folded inwardly, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the collapsible cart of FIG. 10illustrated in a closed condition, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a right-side view of the collapsible cart similar to FIG. 1now illustrating a new embodiment having the rigid cover panel pivotingin a first axis by a hinge mechanism that connects the cover panel tothe front wall;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 now showing the rigid cover panelin a vertical orientation;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of the structure of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 now showing the rigid cover panelrotating in a second axis;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 now showing the rigidcover panel further rotating in a second axis;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the magnets and washers disposedinside the collapsible cart;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the hinge mechanism of FIGS. 20-24;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view taken along line 26 of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the collapsiblecart now having a pivoting telescoping handle;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 now showing a locking slide beingmoved upwards to unlock the telescoping handle relative to the rear wallof the cart; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the structure of FIGS. 27-28 nowshowing how the telescoping handle can pivot at its proximal end forrolling the cart while allowing all four wheels to remain in contactwith the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unique and inventive collapsible carts are disclosed herein. Althoughembodiments of collapsible carts are disclosed herein, it is to beexpressly understood that the present invention is not restricted solelyto such embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure is directed to eachof the inventive features described below, both individually as well ascollectively, in various embodiments. Further, as will become apparentto those skilled in the art, one or more aspects of the presentdisclosure may be incorporated in other devices.

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible cart 10 with swivelwheels, according to an embodiment. The collapsible cart 10 may includea rigid frame 12 forming a compartment 14. The rigid frame may a frontwall 16, a rear wall 18, a right sidewall 20, a left sidewall 22, and abottom wall 24. The right sidewall 20 and the left sidewall 22 areadapted to fold inwardly. The right sidewall 20 may include a firstright panel 26 and a second right panel 28. The first right panel 26 maybe coupled with a first hinge 27 to the second right panel 28 along afirst vertical axis 30. The left sidewall 22 may include a first leftpanel 32 and a second left panel 34. The first left panel 32 may becoupled with a second hinge 33 to the second left panel 34 along asecond vertical axis 36.

As can be appreciated, the first right panel 26, the second right panel28, the first left panel 32 and the second left panel 34 may be formedof molded rigid plastic. In one embodiment, the first right panel 26,the second right panel 28, the first left panel 32 and the second leftpanel 34 may each be a solid panel member. In another embodiment, thefirst right panel 26, the second right panel 28, the first left panel 32and the second left panel 34 may each be configured in a frame structurewith a plurality of apertures 38 positioned between vertical andhorizontal rigid members 39. Artisans would appreciate that thisconfiguration allows for light-weight construction of the sidewalls 20and 22.

In one embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a rotatable basepanel 40 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 ) rotatably coupled to the bottom wall24 within the compartment 14. The rotatable base panel 40 may include alower surface 42 (shown FIG. 8 ) and an upper surface 44 (shown FIG. 6). As can be appreciated, when in use, the rotatable base panel 40 maybe rotated so that its lower surface rests against an interior surfaceof the bottom wall 24.

In another embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a first track46 and a second track 48. The first track 46 may extend across the firstvertical axis 30 from a first position 50 on the first right panel 26 toa second position 52 on the second right panel 28. The second track 48may extend across the second vertical axis 36 from a first position 54on the first left panel 32 to a second position 56 on the second leftpanel 34.

The collapsible cart 10 may also include a first slideable member 58 anda second slideable member 60. The first slideable member 58 maycooperatively engage the first track 46 and may be movable between anopen position to allow the right sidewall 20 to fold inwardly (shown inFIG. 8 ), to a closed position to selectively secure or lock the firstright panel 26 to the second right panel 28 (shown in FIG. 2 ). As canbe appreciated, the first slideable member 58 is in the open positionwhen adjacent the first position 50 of the first track 46 and is in theclosed position when adjacent the second position 52 of the first track46. Similarly, the second slideable member 60 may be cooperativelyengage the second track 48 and may be movable between an open positionto allow the left sidewall 22 to fold inwardly (shown in FIG. 8 ), to aclosed position to selectively secure or lock the first left panel 32 tothe second left panel 34. As can be appreciated, the second slideablemember 60 is in the open position when adjacent the first position 54 ofthe second track 48 and is in the closed position when adjacent thesecond position 56 of the second track 48. In another embodiment, thecollapsible cart 10 may include one only one slideable member on eitherone of the sidewalls 20 or 22. Alternatively, the collapsible cart 10may include a plurality of slideable members for each sidewall 20 and22.

In one embodiment, the collapsible cart 10 may include a rigid coverpanel 62 and a retractable handle 64. The rigid cover panel 62 may beformed of a molded plastic with a ribbed pattern for increased rigidity.The rigid cover panel 62 may be configured to conform in shape and fitsnugly to a top opening 63 of the compartment 14. The rigid cover panel62 may securely fit in a first position over the top opening 63 to serveas a cover or seat on top of the collapsible cart 10. The rigid coverpanel 62 may include one or more protrusions on a bottom surface toremovably secure to the front wall 16 of the collapsible cart 10.Meanwhile, the retractable handle 64 may be positioned adjacent the backwall 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1-9 , the collapsible cart 10 may include a pluralityof rotatable swivel wheels 66 coupled to the bottom wall 24 of thecollapsible cart 10. The rotatable swivel wheels 66 may include at leastone wheel locking assembly 68 having a first condition for locking atleast one of the rotatable swivel wheels to prevent rolling movement,and a second condition for unlocking the at least one of the rotatableswivel wheels. As can be appreciated, the at least one wheel lockingassembly may include a brake actuator pedal 70.

FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible cart 100 with apair of three-wheel assemblies 102, according to an embodiment. Thecollapsible cart 100 may include a spindle 104 rotatably coupled to thebottom wall 24 and adjacent an intersection of the bottom wall 24 andthe rear wall 18. Each three-wheel assembly 102 may include three wheels106, three spokes 108 and a central rotational point 110. As can beappreciated, each wheel 106 may be rotatably coupled to one of the threespokes 108, and each spoke 108 may be connected to the centralrotational point 110 coupled to the spindle 104.

As can be appreciated, the collapsible cart 10 may be fabricated with alight-weight material, such as plastic. In one embodiment, one or moreof the walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 may be formed of a molded plasticwith a ribbed pattern for increased rigidity.

In operation, the collapsible cart 10 and 100 is transitioned from aclosed condition where it is folded up to an open position where it isexpanded for use. In the closed condition (shown in FIGS. 9 and 18 ), auser may unlock clips 72 on the right side and left side to extend theright and left opposing sidewalls 20 and 22. The user may need to inserthis or hands in the compartment 14 to push out the sidewalls 20 and 22.As the sidewalls 20 and 22 are pushed outwards, the rotatable base panel40 drops down such that its lower surface rests against the interiorsurface of the bottom wall 24, and stabilizes the cart by fittingtightly between the lower region of the two opposing sidewalls 20 and22. The first slideable member 58 and the second slideable member 60 maythen be moved along their respective tracks 46 and 48 and from theirrespective open position to their respective closed position toselectively secure the sidewall panels. As can be appreciated, theslideable members 58 and 60 may be used to hold the extended sidewalls20 and 22 in place. The rigid cover panel 62, which may be secured tothe front wall 16 for storage, may be unlatched and securely fit overthe top opening 63 of the compartment 14 to serve as a cover or seat.The collapsible cart 10 or 100 may be used to transport heavy loads inthis open condition or may be collapsed in reverse fashion to place in aclosed condition for storage.

Through significant field testing and development, it was discoveredthat the rigid cover panel 62 may be lost or unavailable at variouspoints during usage of the collapsible cart 10 by the end user.Therefore, a new embodiment is now disclosed in FIGS. 19-26 thatincludes a movable latch that secures the cover panel to the collapsiblecart 10.

FIG. 19 illustrates this new embodiment of the present invention. Thecollapsible cart 10 is very similar to the previous embodiments alreadydisclosed, such that common reference numbers are used herein.Similarly, the rigid frame 12 forms the compartment 14. The rigid frameincludes the front wall 16, the rear wall 18, the right sidewall 20, theleft sidewall 22, and the pivotable base panel 40. The pivotable basepanel is pivotably connected to a bottom 16 b of the front wall or abottom 18 b of the rear wall. The pivotable base panel still has a lowersurface 42 opposite an upper surface 44, where the upper surface forms abottom floor of the compartment. The pivotable base panel is configuredto pivot between being disposed parallel to the front wall and rear wallfor storage (as shown in FIG. 8 ) or being disposed perpendicular to thefront wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of thecompartment (as shown in FIG. 1 ). As with previous embodiments, theright sidewall and the left sidewall are configured to fold inwardlyinto the compartment allowing the cart to collapse for storage.

The rigid cover panel 62 still conforms in shape to a top opening 63 ofthe compartment as the rigid cover panel is configured to securely fitin a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/or aseat as shown in FIG. 1 . However, as now shown in FIG. 19 , the rigidcover panel is movably attached to a top 16 a of the front wall. Therigid cover panel is configured to be moved to a second positionresiding adjacent the front wall outside the compartment as best shownin FIG. 23 .

FIG. 19 shows the rigid cover panel 62 starting to pivot upwards about afirst axis 82 and then FIG. 20 shows the rigid cover panel in a verticalorientation. FIG. 21 is a front view of the FIG. 20 . The cover panel 62is able to pivot upwards due to a novel hinge mechanism 80 which is bestshown in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 . FIG. 26 is a close up of the hingemechanism taken from FIG. 25 .

FIG. 26 shows that the hinge mechanism can pivot in both the first axis82 and also a second axis 84. The first axis and second axis areperpendicular to one another. Accordingly, the cover panel first pivotsabout the first axis 82 in FIGS. 19-21 . Then, in FIG. 22 , the coverpanel rotates about the second axis 84 and continues to rotate in FIG.23 . As shown in FIG. 23 , the cover panel is positioned out of the wayof the compartment such that it is easy to place and remove items fromthe compartment. Yet, the cover panel will no longer be lost orunavailable as it is permanently connected to the front wall 16.

The hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 26 comprises a first portion 86 and asecond portion 88. The first portion is able to rotate about the secondaxis 84 in relationship to the second portion 88. In this embodiment,the hinge mechanism comprises two parts, but could comprise one part orany number of parts to achieve the multi-axis movement and shown anddescribed herein.

The first portion of the hinge at a proximal end 90 is pivotablyconnected to the top of the front wall. In this case, it is attached onthe inside of the front wall but could be attached to the outside aswell. In this embodiment, the proximal end 90 has cylindrical extensions94 that are configured to snap into circular recesses 96 formed into thefront wall. Thus, the cylindrical extensions are able to pivot withinthe circular recesses. It is understood that other devices or structurescould achieve the same movements, such an auxiliary pin used for an axlethat would extend through both the front wall and the proximal end ofthe front part. Accordingly, this teaching is not to be limited to theprecise form shown and described herein.

The second portion of the hinge is connected at a distal end 92 to thecover panel 62 through the use of clips 90 and fasteners 92. As isunderstood by those skilled in the art, the second portion 88 could beconnected to the cover panel 62 through any combination of clips and/orfasteners and/or bonding agents (not shown). Furthermore, the secondportion 88 could be formed as part of the cover panel 62 when the coverpanel is injection molded during production.

In another embodiment not shown, the hinge mechanism could be replacedwith a fabric strap where the fabric strap is inherently flexible toallow the multi-axis movement required.

Once the cover panel is in the open position as shown in FIG. 26 , itmay swing back and forth undesirably as the cart is moved around. Thus,the inventors have further improved the novel hinge mechanism with a camand flexure mechanism. A raised bump 100 is formed as part of a cam 101that is made as part of the first portion 86 or attached to the firstportion 86. The cam 101 is generally circular in shape except for theraised bump 100. The cam is generally hidden from view as being disposedbehind the second portion 88, but the raised bump 100 can be seenthrough the hole of the flexure 102 formed in the second portion 88.Here, two flexures 102 a and 102 b are formed, but one flexure couldhave been used. The flexures abut the raised bump and create aninterference fit that helps hold the cover panel into location once theraised bump is disposed between the two flexures. To move the coverpanel out of the position, the raised bump engages at least one flexureand causes it to deflect a small distance which in turn creates aresistance to movement and a resistance for swinging back and forth. Asis understood by those skilled in the art, a number of different cam andflexure mechanisms are possible, as this teaching is not to be limitedto the precise form described herein.

There is also another solution that can be added to the previoussolution or used in lieu of the previous solution to prevent or reducethe cover panel from swinging undesirably back and forth. Referring nowto FIG. 24 , magnets 104 a and 104 b can be disposed as part of thefront wall 16. Then, additional magnets or ferromagnetic material, suchas metal washers 106, can be attached to the inside surface of the coverpanel 62. When the cover panel is used to close the top of the cart, themagnets 104 and washers 106 are far apart. Yet, when the cover panel isopened and disposed as shown in FIG. 26 , they are appropriatelypositioned such that they align with one another. Therefore, a magneticattraction occurs between the magnets and washers that keeps the coverpanel in its position relative to the cart and prevents or reduces theundesirable swinging.

It is shown in FIG. 24 that the washers 106 are held with fasteners 107,but they could also be bonded into place or securely held through aninterference fit. Likewise, the magnets 104 can be screwed, bonded orheld in place with an interference fit. The magnets 104 could be placedon either the outside of the front wall or on the inside of the frontwall. Here, the magnets are shown in the inside of the front wall.

The rigid cover panel may also include a locking mechanism 110configured to lock or unlock the rigid cover panel in the firstposition. The locking mechanism can be a switch that can be slidforwards and backwards to engage the rear wall.

FIGS. 27-29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention.The collapsible cart 10 is very similar to the previous embodimentsalready disclosed, such that common reference numbers are used herein.The retractable handle mechanism 64 is disposed at, within or adjacentthe back wall 18 as best shown in FIG. 27 . The retractable handlemechanism 64 comprises a hand grip 120 attached to a telescopingassembly 122.

The hand grip is attached at a distal end 124 of the telescopingassembly. Importantly, the telescoping assembly is pivotably attached ata proximal end 126 to the bottom 18 b of the rear wall 18 as best seenin FIG. 28 . There are a multitude of mechanism and methods that may beused by those skilled in the art to create the pivot joint at theproximal end of the telescoping assembly, as this teaching is not to belimited to any one specific structure.

A locking slide 128 is translatable along at least a portion of thetelescoping assembly. The locking slide is a rigid structure thatcaptures both of the telescoping tubes and helps secure them in parallelrelationship. It is understood by those skilled in the art that just onetelescoping tube could have been used and as such the locking slidewould translate along this one telescoping tube.

In FIG. 27 the locking slide is locking the telescoping assembly to therear wall at a distance apart from the proximal end which is pivotable.Then, in FIG. 28 , the locking slide has moved upwards and no longerlocks the telescoping assembly to the rear wall.

The locking slide is configured to lock to the rear wall securing thetelescoping assembly parallel to the rear wall. Then, the locking slideis configured to unlock from the rear wall allowing the telescopingassembly to pivot at an angle away from the rear wall as shown in FIG.28 . A release button 130 is configured to lock and unlock the lockingslide from the rear wall. As shown in FIG. 28 , the collapsible cart 10can now be rolled with all four wheels remaining on the ground whilestill retaining the functionality of the cart as described in theprevious embodiments.

It is also understood by those skilled in the art that the locking slidecould be replaced with a locking mechanism that either secures thetelescoping assembly to the rear wall or allows the telescoping assemblyto pivot about the proximal end. In other words, in other embodiments,the locking slide need not translate along the telescoping assemblywhile still being able to lock and unlock the telescoping assembly inrelation to the rear wall.

Although the various inventive aspects are herein disclosed in thecontext of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number ofvariations of the inventive aspects have been shown and described indetail, other modifications, which are within their scope will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon thisdisclosure. It should be also understood that the scope this disclosureincludes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specificfeatures and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that thevarious features, modes of implementation, and aspects of the disclosedsubject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another.Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention hereindisclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodimentsor implementations described above, but should be determined only by afair reading of the claims.

Similarly, this disclosure is not be interpreted as reflecting anintention that any claim require more features than are expresslyrecited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of anysingle foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following theDetailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into thisDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

Further, all claim terms should be interpreted in their most expansiveforms so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legallypermissible. Although the embodiments have been described with referenceto the drawings and specific examples, it will readily be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that many modifications and adaptations of theprocesses, methods and apparatuses described herein are possible withoutdeparture from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as claimedherein. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of theembodiments as claimed below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cart comprising: a rigid frame forming acompartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, aright sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel; wherein thepivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom of the frontwall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panel having alower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surface forming abottom floor of the compartment; wherein the pivotable base panel isconfigured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front walland rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular to the frontwall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of thecompartment; wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall areconfigured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart tocollapse for storage; a rigid cover panel conforming in shape to a topopening of the compartment, the rigid cover panel configured to securelyfit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/ora seat; wherein the rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top ofthe front wall, the rigid cover panel configured to be moved to a secondposition residing adjacent the front wall outside the compartment; and aretractable handle mechanism disposed at, within or adjacent the backwall.
 2. The cart of claim 1, including a hinge mechanism movablyconnecting the rigid cover panel to the front wall.
 3. The cart of claim2, wherein the hinge mechanism at a proximal end is pivotably connectedto the top of the front wall, wherein the hinge mechanism is configuredto pivot about a first axis that is parallel to the front wall.
 4. Thecart of claim 3, wherein the hinge mechanism at a distal end isrotatably connected to the rigid cover panel, wherein the rigid coverpanel is configured to rotate about a second axis, the second axis beingperpendicular to the first axis.
 5. The cart of claim 1, wherein a firstmagnet is disposed at, near or within the front wall, and wherein asecond magnet or ferromagnetic material is disposed at, near or withinthe rigid cover panel, wherein when the rigid cover panel is in thesecond position, the first magnet and the second magnet or ferromagneticmaterial are aligned.
 6. The cart of claim 1, wherein the rigid coverpanel includes a locking mechanism configured to lock or unlock therigid cover panel in the first position.
 7. The cart of claim 1, whereinhinge mechanism comprises a first portion rotatably coupled to a secondportion, wherein the first portion is pivotably connected to the frontwall and the second portion is connected to the rigid cover panel. 8.The cart of claim 7, wherein the first portion comprises a cam having araised bump and the second portion comprises at least one flexure,wherein the raised bump is configured to abut the flexure when thesecond portion rotates about the first portion.
 9. The cart of claim 1,wherein the retractable handle mechanism comprises a hand grip attachedto a telescoping assembly.
 10. The cart of claim 9, wherein the handgrip is attached at a distal end of the telescoping assembly and thetelescoping assembly is pivotably attached at a proximal end to thebottom of the rear wall.
 11. The cart of claim 10, including a lockingslide translatable along at least a portion of the telescoping assembly,wherein the locking slide is configured to lock to the rear wallsecuring the telescoping assembly parallel to the rear wall, and whereinthe locking slide is configured to unlock from the rear wall allowingthe telescoping assembly to pivot at an angle away from the rear wall.12. The cart of claim 11, wherein the locking slide includes a releasebutton configured to lock and unlock the locking slide from the rearwall.
 13. The cart of claim 1, wherein the right sidewall comprises afirst right panel and a second right panel, the first right panel iscoupled to the second right panel along a first vertical axis, and theleft sidewall comprises a first left panel and a second left panel, thefirst left panel is coupled to the second left panel along a secondvertical axis.
 14. The cart of claim 13, including a first trackextending across the first vertical axis from a first position on thefirst right panel to a second position on the second right panel; and afirst slideable member to cooperatively engage the first track, thefirst slideable member is movable between an open position to allow theright sidewall to fold inwardly, to a closed position to selectivelylock the first right panel to the second right panel, wherein the firstslideable member is in the open position when adjacent the firstposition of the first track and is in the closed position when adjacentthe second position of the first track.
 15. The cart of claim 14,further including a second track extending across the second verticalaxis from a first position on the first left panel to a second positionon the second left panel; and a second slideable member to cooperativelyengage the second track, the second slideable member is movable betweenan open position to allow the left sidewall to fold inwardly, to aclosed position to selectively lock the first left panel to the secondleft panel, wherein the second slideable member is in the open positionwhen adjacent the first position of the second track and is in theclosed position when adjacent the second position of the second track.16. The cart of claim 15, further comprising a wheel assembly connectedto the cart.
 17. The cart of claim 16, further comprising a plurality ofrotatable swivel wheels connected to the cart having at least one wheellocking assembly, the at least one wheel locking assembly having a firstcondition for locking at least one of the rotatable swivel wheels toprevent rolling movement, and a second condition for unlocking the atleast one of the rotatable swivel wheels.
 18. The cart of claim 16,wherein the at least one wheel locking assembly comprising a brakeactuator pedal.
 19. A cart comprising: a rigid frame forming acompartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rear wall, aright sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel; wherein thepivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom of the frontwall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panel having alower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surface forming abottom floor of the compartment; wherein the pivotable base panel isconfigured to pivot between being disposed parallel to the front walland rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular to the frontwall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor of thecompartment; wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall areconfigured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart tocollapse for storage; a rigid cover panel conforming in shape to a topopening of the compartment, the rigid cover panel configured to securelyfit in a first position over the top opening to serve as a cover and/ora seat; wherein the rigid cover panel is movably attached to a top ofthe front wall by a hinge mechanism, the rigid cover panel configured tobe moved to a second position residing adjacent the front wall outsidethe compartment; wherein the hinge mechanism at a proximal end ispivotably connected to the top of the front wall, wherein the hingemechanism is configured to pivot about a first axis that is parallel tothe front wall; wherein the hinge mechanism at a distal end is rotatablyconnected to the rigid cover panel, wherein the rigid cover panel isconfigured to rotate about a second axis; and wherein the second axis isperpendicular to the first axis.
 20. A cart comprising: a rigid frameforming a compartment, the rigid frame comprising a front wall, a rearwall, a right sidewall, a left sidewall, and a pivotable base panel;wherein the pivotable base panel is pivotably connected to a bottom ofthe front wall or a bottom of the rear wall, the pivotable base panelhaving a lower surface opposite an upper surface, the upper surfaceforming a bottom floor of the compartment; wherein the pivotable basepanel is configured to pivot between being disposed parallel to thefront wall and rear wall for storage or being disposed perpendicular tothe front wall and the rear wall when in use forming the bottom floor ofthe compartment; wherein the right sidewall and the left sidewall areconfigured to fold inwardly into the compartment allowing the cart tocollapse for storage; and a retractable handle mechanism disposed at,within or adjacent the back wall; wherein the retractable handlemechanism comprises a hand grip attached to a telescoping assembly;wherein the hand grip is attached at a distal end of the telescopingassembly and the telescoping assembly is pivotably attached at aproximal end to the bottom of the rear wall.